As you travel through New Mexico, you will see some truly incredible sights. The Land of Enchantment is full of gorgeous landscapes and scenery that will take your breath away. One of the best ways to spend your day and to bask in the beauty of this state is to drive on the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway.
The Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway is one of the few official byways in New Mexico.
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Official Website This scenic byway is approximately 150-miles long and forms a large loop. You will travel through a variety of terrain such as remarkable forests, awe-inspiring volcanic craters, and large meadows in the northern part of New Mexico.
Take your time as you travel on this gorgeous road.
Alex/Ruby/TripAdvisor There are dozens of hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking opportunities along this national scenic byway. You will find many places to eat, shop, and learn along the route as well.
You may choose to begin your drive in Los Alamos. This is near Bandelier National Monument.
- Adam Reeder -/Flickr
You’ll drive right past the stunning Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Zimu Zhou/AllTrails The Valles Caldera National Preserve is a large volcanic crater. There are many hiking trails for all skill levels in this area. To start, check out the easy 2.9-mile Cerro La Jara Loop Trail. Along this trail, keep your eyes open for fields of wildflowers, wildlife, and stunning views.
Fenton Lake State Park is another area on this drive with magnificent views.
John Fowler/Flickr You can fish and hike at this stop on your adventure. This is also a great place to camp for the night if you want to turn this drive into a long excursion.
Spend some time enjoying the beauty of San Pedro Parks Wilderness.
44dave56/TripAdvisor In this wilderness area, the average elevation is 10,000 feet above sea level. You will see rolling hills, lush meadows, and fabulous streams. This may become one of your favorite areas on the journey.
You must stop at Soda Dam.
J D/TripAdvisor This natural dam is 300 feet long, 50 feet high, and 50 feet wide. This is a great place to get out and stretch your legs.
Battleship Rock is not only a terrific stop if you want to capture some amazing pictures, but this is a perfect picnic area as well.
JasonBechtel/Flickr Battleship Rock is made from volcanic rock that stands 200 feet tall. Look closely and you will see the rock closely resembles a Navy warship.
Give yourself plenty of time to soak in the Spence Hot Springs near the end of this scenic byway.
Kelly Hynes/AllTrails You must take a short 0.7-mile out-and-back trail to the small pool. This spring is a warm 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Have you ever traveled on the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience!
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Official Website
This scenic byway is approximately 150-miles long and forms a large loop. You will travel through a variety of terrain such as remarkable forests, awe-inspiring volcanic craters, and large meadows in the northern part of New Mexico.
Alex/Ruby/TripAdvisor
There are dozens of hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking opportunities along this national scenic byway. You will find many places to eat, shop, and learn along the route as well.
- Adam Reeder -/Flickr
Zimu Zhou/AllTrails
The Valles Caldera National Preserve is a large volcanic crater. There are many hiking trails for all skill levels in this area. To start, check out the easy 2.9-mile Cerro La Jara Loop Trail. Along this trail, keep your eyes open for fields of wildflowers, wildlife, and stunning views.
John Fowler/Flickr
You can fish and hike at this stop on your adventure. This is also a great place to camp for the night if you want to turn this drive into a long excursion.
44dave56/TripAdvisor
In this wilderness area, the average elevation is 10,000 feet above sea level. You will see rolling hills, lush meadows, and fabulous streams. This may become one of your favorite areas on the journey.
J D/TripAdvisor
This natural dam is 300 feet long, 50 feet high, and 50 feet wide. This is a great place to get out and stretch your legs.
JasonBechtel/Flickr
Battleship Rock is made from volcanic rock that stands 200 feet tall. Look closely and you will see the rock closely resembles a Navy warship.
Kelly Hynes/AllTrails
You must take a short 0.7-mile out-and-back trail to the small pool. This spring is a warm 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more scenic byways in the Land of Enchantment, here are nine that you won’t want to miss.
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Address: Bandelier National Monument, 15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USAAddress: Valles Caldera National Preserve, 39201 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: Fenton Lake State Park, New Mexico 87025, USAAddress: Coyote, NM 87012, USAAddress: Jemez Soda Dam, 19219 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: Battleship Rock, New Mexico 87025, USAAddress: Spence Hot Springs, New Mexico 87025, USA
